Strangles - abscess how long?

[Kirikou]

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some insight on managing a Strangles abscess. I pulled a mare out of a feedlot two weeks ago, and while in quarantine, she developed a cough. The vet diagnosed her with Strangles, and one left mandibular abscess broke about a week ago. I’ve been flushing it diligently as recommended by the vet, but it’s still draining after 7 days…

The mare seems bright, is eating and drinking well, but from all of my compulsive late-night internet reading, I can’t find clear info on how long these abscesses typically take to dry up. At what point should I be concerned that it’s taking “too long”?

Thanks in advance for any advice or experiences you can share!

[Simkie]

Oh geez it’s been awhile, but I remember this taking a couple few weeks. It sounds like she’s doing well other than the goo so just keep doin what you’re doin!

[goodhors]

I would agree with Simkie, at least 2 weeks of drainage with it reducing as time passes. Hope you were able to isolate her, so disinfecting the stall when she heals, is easier. That goop on the walls will infect other horses using the stall later. Especially young horses with no immunity.

My friend used to buy and flip auction horses and ponies. They ALL got what we called “shipping fever” in the next couple weeks, with the couple weeks after recovery time needed before they could be worked with. Messy drainage needing washing a couple times a day so it didn’t take the hair off. Be glad it is up by the jaw, no visible scarring after healing!

Hope your new horse turns out to be a lot of fun! Her “new and improved” horses went to nice homes where people really enjoyed them. This was how she made her spending money without having a job. She had a good eye for nice horses, good both mentally and physically well built. Never bought a bad one. I learned a LOT working with her auction projects!! She is still my best friend!!

[Kirikou]

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and advice—it’s really helpful to hear from people who’ve been through this! The left mandibular abscess is finally slowing down on the draining, so that’s hopefully a good sign? The right one just “burst” tonight, so I guess we’re “moving forward” if anything…

She’s in the quarantine barn by lonesome (poor girl), not the main barn, so it should be easier to rest the stall, power wash and disinfect once this is all behind us. In the meantime, I think I’ve already gone through a lifetime supply of Lysol!

And I loved hearing about those auction project ponies—it’s inspiring to hear how they all turned out to be success stories. Gives me hope that this mare will have a bright future with us once she’s on the mend!

Thanks again for the reassurance and tips—I really appreciate it!!

[trubandloki]

Jingles for a quick recovery.

[VaGirl]

Dealing with this as well - my horse picked it up at a training barn (yay me). Abscess popped Christmas Day (again yay) and it’s now closing up. I kept it clean and wiped off some of the scabbing to keep it open and draining. Every day it’s a little smaller and less stuff coming out. Vet told me once it’s closed completely we can do a PCR test to make sure it’s negative. Unfortunately, since his started in the gutteral pouch, I have to take him to a large animal hospital to get a flush of the gutteral pouch to make sure it’s all really gone.

[Kirikou]

@trubandloki: Thanks so much—appreciate the positive vibes!

@VaGirl: Oh no, I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this too! Sounds like your Christmas was…eventful. I’m glad to hear your horse is improving, though! Best of luck with the next steps, and here’s hoping we both have smooth recoveries ahead!

Hang in there, and thanks again for sharing your experiences!